I love my job and I may do thousands of presentations in my career but I’ll never do any more important than the ones for the men and women that proudly wear the uniform of the United States of America.
    When I was around six years old, my oldest brother, David Steele, ran off to join the Marines as soon as he was of legal age. For the next 30 years, he became the embodiment of a marine, retiring as a Master Gunnery Sergeant. Every time I saw my brother in his "dress blues” or getting up at 4:00 a.m. in the morning or especially leaving to serve his country in Vietnam, I got a glimpse of what a real man looked like. He inspired me with his work ethic and dedication to our country. Watching him develop lifelong friendships and a love of family taught me a lot even though I was always somehow at a distance from this amazing group of men and women in our armed forces.
    Fast forward now to a year and a half ago... I am making my 23rd appearance of Florida State University and in the audience dropping off a son who is an incoming college freshman is the Beale family. Following my presentation the father approaches me, “Good evening Curtis, my name is Colonel Michael Beale. I am the Vice Wing Commander at Shaw Air Force Base and I believe your program is something the Airmen need to hear and if it’s in my power you will be sharing your message with the United States Air Force.” Well I hate to say it but I often have people come up and tell me about a great idea or opportunity they have for me. More times than naught, I never hear from these folks again. Colonel Beale was different. He worked diligently for the next six months to put me in front of the men and women that give so much everyday for our freedom. Colonel Beale believed that my message was something of value, something the Airmen could actually apply to their lives. It had very little to do with me. His desire was to inspire, challenge and provide tools for the Airmen. I was humbled.
    When Michelle and I arrived at Shaw Air Force Base we were greeted by some of the most amazing individuals I have met in my life. It is extremely difficult for me to put into words the impact of my opportunity. I always felt lucky to live in our great country but my pride swelled and I felt honored to share my program with over 5,000 of America’s finest. Meeting the families, sharing dinner and hearing their stories gave me a profound insight into the sacrifice that so many give every year for the sake of my freedom!
    It has come full circle for me. From a little boy watching his brother put on “dress blues” to now being a grown man sharing my messages with thousands of people I consider to be real men and women of honor and courage.
    Thank you Colonel Beale. I am proud to call you a friend.


To see Curtis in action with the USAF Click here.

	Living the Dream T-shirt Show your pride for our great country where we are living the dream! Buy one today Our children go to sleep in a country where we are free-- free to learn, worship, speak, travel and live our dreams! May God bless our armed forces and their families and keep them safe.
Maximize your speaking potential. The Curtis Zimmerman Group is offering a two day seminar to turn your passion into a reality. Click here for more information. Curtis Zimmerman Group is hiring! If you are interested in joining our dynamic team, find out more by clicking here.

The men and women who have served in our military, past and present, have given up all so we can have everything. We can never lose touch of the fact that our freedom has come at a tremendous sacrifice to many. Being appreciative of other’s sacrifices, being proud to be an American, and respecting our freedom in this great country is an extremely important part of our daily lives.

Today: Show your gratitude.
Support the troops. Go to www.americasupportsyou.com or click on the link below to take you to a complete list of options and organizations to aid and/or uplift the troops. You could send a letter, an email, a care package, or even your old cell phone. Don’t forget options to support the wives, husbands, children, and parents of military. Make your support active and choose today. www.americasupportsyou.com/americasupportsyou/help.html.

Inspired by our own newsletter, the Curtis Zimmerman Group has sent care packages to the troops through www.anysoldier.com. We decided to go to the next level and get our entire office building involved. We will be gathering donations and sending care packages several times during the year. We’ll keep you posted on the progress.

This Week: Show your pride.
Learn or remind yourself of the words to America the Beautiful, The Star Spangled Banner (our National Anthem). Say the Pledge of Allegiance. Click here for the words to all three.

After September 11, 2001 many people bought and displayed an American flag from their balconies, their doorsteps, or their car windows. Is your flag still on display? Maybe recite the Pledge when you are re-hanging your American Flag.

This Month/This Year: Show your respect.
Next time you see someone in a military uniform simply walk over and extend your hand. Say “I appreciate your service and sacrifice”. Imagine if everyone did this? How great and appreciated the men and women who preserve our freedom would feel. We can never forget that somebody died to give us a better life.

We, and all others who believe in freedom as deeply as we do, would rather die on our feet than live on our knees.
Franklin D. Roosevelt

On average, a military family's deployment separation is 150 days.

www.anysoldier.com is currently helping approximately 114, 239 service men and women through their care package program.